Busta Rhymes has responded to a former assistant who filed a civil lawsuit against him this week, alleging assault and violations of workplace laws. The rapper says the former assistant is “disgruntled” and on a mission to “damage” his reputation.
Dashiel Gables filed the lawsuit in New York federal court late Monday, Aug. 4, according to Courthouse News Service.
The 13-page complaint says the alleged assault occurred in January 2025, inside the lobby of the rapper’s home in Brooklyn, New York.
Gables and Rhymes, born Trevor Smith, were arguing when Gables’ daughter called him. He ignored the phone call but texted her, the complaint says.
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The suit alleges Rhymes became angry, yelled at Gables to “stay the f–k off your phone,” then punched him in the face, twice.
The lawsuit says Gables was hospitalized and filed a police report. Rhymes turned himself in to authorities to face three assault charges. The district attorney’s office confirmed to People that it opened a case, which was ultimately sealed.
Gables was fired after the incident. The lawsuit alleges Rhymes, 53, fostered a toxic workplace and would scream at him, spit on him, and routinely called him a homophobic slur.
The complaint also alleges the rapper violated labor laws by forcing Gables to work nonstop, saying his day “would begin when Busta Rhymes woke up and end when he went to sleep.” The suit alleges he was denied overtime pay and was instead paid a day rate of $200.
“Long hours, day and night, weekends, you name it. He bullied me from day one. He regularly insulted me, called me names and slurs, screamed at me in front of other people… But I stuck around, because I needed the work and I thought things would get better. But instead, he punched me twice in the face,” the lawsuit says.
Gables is seeking damages for lost wages and benefits, unpaid wages, and overtime pay.
In a statement to Urban Hollywood 411 through a spokesperson at Big Machine Agency, Busta Rhymes denied the allegations.
“I have been made aware of the claims made by Dashiel Gables, and I completely and categorically deny these allegations,” the statement began.
“For a very brief period, Dashiel assisted me, but it did not work out. Apparently, Dashiel has decided to respond to being let go by manufacturing claims against me in an attempt to attack and damage my reputation,” the statement continued.
Busta Rhymes insists the allegations are “false” and he is “preparing a countersuit, which I am confident will expose this for what it is- an attempted shake-down by a disgruntled former assistant.”
The “Break Ya Neck” rapper concludes, “I am certain the truth will prevail.”
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